Stamp and inking means therefor



March lll? 1941. o. N. wxswL-:LL

EANS THEREFOR STAMP ANP* INKINC- M Filed` July 28. 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 1l, 1941. o. N. wlSwELL STAMP AND :mmm MEANS THEREFOR Filed July 28, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 11, 1941 err ICE

STAP/E AND INKING MEANS THEREFR Application July 28, 1939, Serial No. 287,058

13 Claims.

This invention relates to stamps and inking means and relates more particularly tostamps of the class known as rubber stamps and to inking means for the same. A general object of this invention is to provide rubber stamps and inking means therefor of improved design, construction and operation.

Rubber stamps are usually inked by pressing them on inking pads. This inking operation is usually performed immediately before each use of the stamp and when the stamp has been used it is returned to the inking pad or is placed in a desk drawer, on a table top, or the like. When the stamp is allowed to remain on the inking pad 'the ink is drawn into the impressions or letters by capillary attraction and the stamp often carries an excessive amount of ink when it is again used. If the stamp is merely placed in a'desk drawer, on a, tab-le top, or the like, it smears or soils the objects which it contacts and picks up dust, dirt, etc. The inking pads employed to ink rubber stamps are usually contained in metal box-es provided with loose fitting covers. The ink soon evaporates from the pads and in many cases the covers are not properly closed and dust and dirt gathers on the moist surfaces of the pads.

Another object of this invention is to provide rubber stamps and inking means therefor that overcome the undesirable features and disadvantages of the stamps and inking means now in general use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a rubber stamp and inking means therefor in which the stamp acts as a plug or closure for the container of the inking pad preventing evaporation of the ink, preventing soiling of objects by `the stamp when the stamp is not in use, and preventing dust, etc., from accumulating on the pad and stamp.

Another object of this invention is to provide a stamp and inking means of the character mentioned in which the letters or characters of the stamp may be quickly and conveniently inked by merely pressing on the knob or handle of the stamp when the stamp is in its normal position in the pad holder.

Another object of this invention is to provide a stamp and inking means of the character mentioned in which the stamp normally occupies a position where its active face or its printing characters are cut of contact with the inking pad so that the stamp normally remains dry and an excessive quantity of ink cannot be drawn inte the stamp by capillary action and so that (Cl. lOl-333) the pad is not dried out or permanently depressed by the printing surface of the stamp.

Ano-ther object of this invention is to provide a stamp and inking means of the character mentioned embodying novel and effective sealing means for sealing between t-he stem or body of the stamp and the pad holder to prevent the evaporation of the ink and to keep the pad and stamp clean or free of dust, etc., and prevents Contact of the sides of the stamp with the pad holder and pad so that the sides of the stamp remain free of ink.

Another object of this invention is to provide a stamp and inking means of the character mentioned in which the said sealing means serves to automatically raise the stamp from the pad when the stamp is inserted in the pad holder and thereafter serves to support the stamp in a position raised above the inking surface of the pad.

A further object of this invention is to pro-- vide a stamp and inking means embodying a multiplicity of inking pads and holders for the same and individual stamps received in the holders, .the several sets or assemblies of pad holders,A and stamps being arranged in a convenient body or carrier.

rJhe various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: l

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of one form of the invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical detailed sec-- tional View of the structure shown in Fig. 1 with the stamp in side elevation. Fig. 3 is a perspective View of another form of the invention showing the several parts in Vertical cross section. Fig. 4 is a reduced plan view showing a plurality of stamp and inking units arranged in a carrier. Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 4-4 of Fig. 5, showing the inking and stamp unit in elevation. Fig. 6 is a vertical detailed sectional view of another embodiment of the invention'showing the stamp in side elevation. Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional View of the sealing ring of the device shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a bottom View of the sealing ring shown in Fig. '7. Fig. 9 is a View similar to Fig. 6 showing still another form of the inventionillustrating a portion of the stamp in side elevation, and Fig. 10 is a fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view illustrating the manner in whichV a unit of the kind shown in Fig. 9 may be arranged in a carrier.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. l and 2 of the drawings may be said to comprise, generally, a holder IIJ containing an inking pad II, a'stamp I2 adapted to be received in the holder I0, and sealing means I3 for sealing between the holder I 9 and the stamp I2 and operable to support the stamp in the holder.

The holder III is provided to contain the inking pad II and to receive the lower portion of the stamp I2. The shape and size of the holder I of course depend upon the shape and size of the stamp I2 In the case illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 the holder I0 is cup-shaped and is designed to receive a stamp that is round in horizontal cross section. In practice the holder IIJ may be supported or mounted in any suitable manner. In the construction illustrated the holder I0 is supported on a suitable base I4. Welding I5'may secure the lower wall of the cup-like holder I0 to the base I4. The upper end of the holder I Il is provided with an outwardly projecting annular flange I6. The inking pad II is arranged in the bottom portion of the holder I0. The pad I I may be formed of fabric and may be of conventional or selected construction. Means is provided for retaining the inking pad II in the holder I0. An annular internal flange or bead I6a is provided on the wall of the holder I0 at the upper side of the pad II to hold the pad in place.

The stamp I2 may be of any shape and of course may carry any selected or required marks, numbers, characters, etc. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings the stamp I2 is an elongate member, round in horizontal cross section, and provided with a single mark or character. The stamp I2 comprises a knob or handle I8, a stem I9 for entering the holder I9, and the letterbearing part or active part 29 on the lower end of the stem I9. The handle I8 is of selected shape and its upper end may be marked to indicate the impression 0r character on the active part 20. The stem I9 is formed to cooperate With -the sealing means I3 as will be subsequently described. The surface of the stem I9 slopes or tapers downwardly and inwardly and the stem is connected with the handle I8 at an annular flange or shoulder 2I. The shoulder 2| presents a curved lower fact 22 that gradually merges .with the tapering surface of the stem I9. The

parts are related so that the shoulder 2| and its face 22 are above and adjacent the upper end of the holder I0 when the stamp I2 is in its normal position. The active part of the stamp I2 may be a body or assembly of rubber or the like, molded, cut, or otherwise formed to have a mark or character 23 in relief, The active part 20 may be of usual construction and may be secured to the lower end of the stem I9 in any suitable manner as by cement, or the like.

The sealing means I3 operates to seal about `the stem I9 of the lstamp I2 to afford a tight closure for the holder I0 and to'support the stamp I2 where its active part 20 is clear of the inking pad II. In the form of the invention being described the sealing means I3 comprises a gasket, washer, or sealing element 24 on the upper end ofthe holder I9. The sealing element 24 is an annular or ring-like part of rubber, rubber composition, or the like. The sealing element 24 is preferably of substantial thickness and has considerable resiliency. In accordance with the invention the sealing element 24 is secured to the upper end of the holder III to protrude into the mouth of the holder. In the construction illustrated the sealing element 24 rests on the lip flange I6 of the holder I9 and an annular ferule 25 engages under the flange I6 and over the sealing element 24 to retain the sealing element on the ange. The sealing element 24 is normally substantially horizontal, that is, its upper and lower faces are normally in places at right angles to the Vertical axis of the holder I9. The Wall of the opening in the annular sealing element 24 is engaged by the tapered surface of the stem I9 when the stamp I2 is inserted in the holder III. With the stamp I2 in its normal position the element 24 seals with the stem I9 just below the face 22. The resiliency of the sealing element 24 holds the element substantially horizontal and in sealing and sup-porting cooperation with the stem I9. As illustrated in Fig. 2 the sealing element 24 engaging about the stem I9 serves to normally support the stamp I2 in a position where the active part 20 and its character 23 are clear of the inking pad II and serves to effectively seal about the stem I9.

In the use of the improved stamp and inking means illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings the stamp I2 is normally in the position illustrated, where it is supported by the sealing element 24. As above described, the sealing element 24 seals about the stem I9 and serves to support the stamp I2. The upper end of the holder I9 is closed and sealed by the stamp I2 and the sealing element 24 so that the ink of the pad II cannot evaporate. Dust and dirt are prevented from entering the holder III and pad II and the active part 29 of the stamp I2 remain clean. When it is desired to use the stamp I2 the holder I8 is engaged and pushed downwardly. This brings the printing surface of the character 23 in engagement with the surface of the pad I I and ink is transferred to the character. When the stamp I2 is pushed downwardly the sealing element 24 merely flexes. The holder I8 is then engaged and the stamp I2 is removed from the holder I0 and used in the usual manner. After use the stamp I2 is returned to the holder III. Ihe stem I9 is entered in the mouth of the holder I0 and the stamp I2 is pressed downwardly and then released. The sealing element 24 is engaged by the entering stem I9 and when the stamp I2 is pushed inwardly the inner portion of the sealing element 24 is flexed downwardly and inwardly, The portion of the stem I9 immediately below the face 22 may engage in the sealing element 24 as illustrated. However, in some cases it may be preferred to relate and proportion the parts so that the face 22 engages downwardly against the sealing element 24 when the stamp I2 is pushed into the holder I0. In practice the inner part of the sealing element 24 is flexed as indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 2. When the inward pressure is removed from the lhandle I8 of the stamp I2 the resiliency of the element 24 returns the element to its normal, generally horizontal position, and the element lifts or raises the stamp I2 to the position illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawings. This moves the printing character 23 clear of the pad II. Thus the stamp I2 is supported by the sealing element 24 in a position where its active printing part or parts are out of engagement with the inking pad II and the active parts cannot receive an excessive quantity of ink by capillary action and cannot cause permanent depression or drying of the pad. The holder I9 is fully sealed by the stamp I2 engaging the sealing element 24 and the stamp is supported in a position where its handle I8 is upright and conveniently accessible. The sides of the stamp I2 need never engage the pad II or the walls of the holder I and remain clean and free of ink.

The form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 3 of the drawings may be said to comprise, generally, a holder 26 containing an inking pad 21, a stamp 28 entering the holder 26 and sealing means 29 for sealing between the holder 26 and the stamp 28.

The holder 26 is provided to carry the inking pad 21 and to receive the lower portion of the stamp 28. In the case illustrated the stamp 28 is horizontally elongated `and the holder 26 is an elongated open-topped member proportioned to receive the stamp 28 with substantial clearance. The bottom or lower end of the holder 26 is closed and the walls or sides of the `holder slope upwardly and outwardly. The upper end of the holder 26 may be nished with asuitable bead or rolled edge 3U. The holder 26 may be mounted on and secured to a suitable base 3l. The pad 21 is arranged in the inner or lower portion of the holder 26 and is constructed to carry or hold a suitable supply of ink. An inwardly projecting rib or bead 32 may be provided on the walls of the holder 26 to hold the pad 21 against upward displacement.

The stamp 28 comprises a suitable handle 33, a shank or stem 34, and a printing part or active part 35 on the lower end of the stem 34. The handle 33 is shaped for convenient engagement by the user and its upper end may be marked or printed to correspond to the type or print of the part 35. The stern 34 is a flat-sided part proportioned to enter the holder 26 with substantial clearance. The lower end of the stem 34 is at to receive the active stamp part 35. The active part 35 may be formed of rubber, or the like, cut or molded to carry the required numerals, characters, etc. The active part 35 may be cemented or otherwise fixed to the lower end of the stem 34.

The sealing means 29 serves to seal between the stamp 28 and the holder 26 and to support the stamp 23. The means 29 comprises a gasket or sealing element 36 on the stem of the stamp 34 cooperable with the holder 26. The sealing element 36 is continuous or annular and completely surrounds the stem 34. The sealing element 36 is generally horizontal and projects laterally or horizontally from the side faces and end faces of the stem 34. In accordance with the invention the sealing'element 36 is formed of rubber, or the like, and has substantial resiliency. The sealing element 36 may be secured to the stamp stern 34 in any suitable manner. In the case illustrated the sealing element 36 is set in a groove 31 in the stem 34 and may be cemented or otherwise fixed in the groove. The marginal or outer edges of the sealing element 36 are adapted to engage in and seal with the walls of the holder 26. As illustrated the sealing element 36 is shaped and proportioned to engage in the upper portion of the holder 26. It is preferred to provide a face or shoulder in the holder 26 for engagement by the element 36. In the case illustrated an internal rim or bead 38 is formed in the holder 26 and the sealing element 36 is adapted to seat on and seal with the bead. The parts are formed and related so that the engagement of the sealing element 36 with the bead 38 supports the stamp 28 in a position where the active part 35 is clear of and spaced above the pad 21. The sealing element 36 may seal with both the internal surface of the holder 26 and with the bead 36 to assure a tight seal between the stamp and the holder.

The operation of the structure shown in Fig. 3 is substantially the same as in the previously described form of the invention. With the stamp 28 in its normal position the sealing element 36 engages in the sloping walls of the holder 26 and engages the bead 38 to support the stamp in a position where the part 35 is above the pad 21 and to seal with the holder 26. The holder 26 is normally tightly sealed so that the ink cannot evaporate from the pad 21 and dust, etc. cannot enter the holder. Excess ink is not drawn into the part 35 by capillary action, the part 35 being clear of the pad. When it is desired to use the stamp 28 the stamp is pressed inwardly to engage the part 35 with the pad 21 so that ink is transferred to the part. The sealing element 36 yields when the stamp is pressed inwardly. When the part 35 has been inked the stamp 28 is withdrawn from the holder 26 and used in the usual manner. Following use the stamp 28 is returned toy the holder 26. 'I'he sealing element 36 engaging in the holder 26 and contacting the bead 38 limits the inward movement of the stamp 28 and following the insertion of the stamp the resiliency of the sealing element 36 lifts the stamp 28 to the position illustrated where the part 35 is clear of the pad 21.

Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawings illustrate one manner in which the stamp and inking units of the invention may be arranged in a suitable carrier C. The carrier C may be formed to have a horizontal top 39 and substantially vertical side walls 40. Openings 4I are provided in the top 39 to receive holders I0 of the type shown in Figs. l and 2 and a pair of openings is provided in the top 39 to receive holders 26 of the type shown in Fig. 3. Where the holders Il) and 26 are arranged in the carrier C the bases I4 and 3I are omitted. 'Ihe holders I0 may be lowered into the openings 4I until the flanges I6 or the ferrules 25 cooperate with the top 39. Detent projections 42 may be provided on the side walls of the holders I6 to snap under the top 38 and releasably lock the holders IIJ in the carrier C. The holders 26 may be set in their openings in the top 39 so that the beads 30 rest on the top surface and may be secured in the carrier C` in the same manner as the holders III. It will be noted that the carrier C may be provided with a number of stamp and inking units of different sizes, etc., and that the stamps of the several units are all conveniently accessible for immediate use.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings may be said to comprise, generally, a holder 45 containing an inking pad 46, a stamp 41 and a sealing means 48 for sealing between the holder 45 and the stamp 41. The holder 45 may be similar, generally, to the above described holder I0. As illustrated the holder 45 is a cup-like element closed at its bottom and open at its upper end. The lower wall of the holder 45 may be secured to a suitable base 49 or if desired the holder 45 may be set in the above described carrier C. The pad 46 is arranged in the lower portion of the holder 45 and is held in place by an inwardly projecting bead I] on the wall of the holder. An outwardly projecting annular flange 5I is provided on the upper end of the holder 45. f

The stamp 41 may be of substantially the same construction as the above described stamp I2. The stamp 41 comprises a handle 52, a stem 53 and an active' part 54 secured to the lower end of the stem 53. An annular flange 55 occurs between the handle 52 and the stem 53. The surface of the stem 53 slopes or tapers downwardly and inwardly from adjacent the flange 55. The lower side of the flange 55 forms a downwardly facing surface 56 that curves to merge with the is clear of the inking pad 46. In this form of the v invention the sealing means 48 comprises a sealing element 51 of rubber or other yielding resilient material arranged yon the carrier 45 and cooperable with the face 56 and the adjacent surface portion of the stem 53. The sealing element 51 is annular or ring-like and is preferably of substantial width and thickness. The under side of the sealing element 51 is provided with an annular groove 58 for receiving the flange 5l and the upper edge portion of the holder 45. The groove 58 is formed to receive the flange 5l having an outwardly projecting or lateral branch that closely receives the flange. The sealing element 51 is adapted to be sprung onto the upper portion of the holder 45 and when in place securely grips the ilange 5l and the upper part of the holder. The sealing element 51 protrudes into the mouth of the holder.45. Ihe protruding inner portion of the sealing element 51 and the peripheral edge of the element are suitably rounded. The protruding inner part of the sealing element 51 is engaged by the face 56 and the adjacent part of the stem 53 to provide a seal about the stem and to support the stamp 41.

The face 56 and the stem 53 engaging in the sealing element 51 normally support the stamp 41 in a position where its part 54 is clear of the pad 46 and assure an effective seal so that the mouth or upper end of the holder 45 is fully closed. Thus the active part 54 remains dry and the ink cannot evaporate from the pad 46. When it is desired to use the stamp 41 the stamp is depressed or pushed downwardly to engage the part 54 with the pad 46. The sealing element 51 yields to allow this depression of the stamp 41. The stamp 41 is then withdrawn from the holder 45 and used in the usual manner. When the stamp is returned to the holder 45 the stem 53 and the face 56 cooperate with the sealing element 51 to again support the stamp and to provide a seal about the stamp.

The form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 9 of the drawings comprises, generally, a holder 6B containing an inking pad 6l, a stamp 62, and sealing means 63 for sealing between the holder 68 and the stamp 62.

The holder 60 is similar to the holder l0 being a cup-shaped part with a closed bottom and substantially vertical side walls. An outwardly curled nishing bead 65 may be provided on the upper edge of the holder 6i). 'Ihe lower end of the holder 60 may be suitablysecured to a base 66. The inking pad 6I is arranged in the lower part of the holder B0. Means is provided for retaining the pad 60 in place. This means includes a sleeve 61 arranged in the holder Ell. 'I'he sleeve 61 may be force-fitted or welded in the holder. The lower end of the sleeve 61 occurs at the upper face of the pad 6|k to hold the pad in place. An inwardly turned annular flange 68 is provided on the upper end of the sleeve 61. The

ler 60 and is used in the usual manner.

ange 68 preferably curls or curves downwardly and inwardly.

The stamp 62 comprises a handle .69 and a stem 10 on the handle'. The handle 69 is shaped for convenient manipulation and is provided in its lower'end with an enlargement or flange 12. The stem 10 is of reduced diameter and projects downwardly from the center of the enlargement or flange 12. The printing part or active part 13 ofthe stamp 62 is carried by the sealing means 63.

'I'he sealing means 63 comprises a sealing element 14 of rubber, or the like, arranged on the stem 10 and adapted to cooperate with the flange 68,. The sealing element 14 constitutes the lower 4portion of the stamp 62 being a plug-like part adapted to enter the holder 6D and wedge in the flange 68. A socket 15 is provided in the element 14 to receive the stem 10 and the element 14 may be cemented or otherwise secured to the stem. The numerals, characters, or the like, constituting the active stamp part 13, occur on the lower end of the s'ealing element 14 and may be formed integral with the element 14 or may be suitably secured to the element. The sealingr element 14 is proportioned to protrude above the holder 6D when the stamp 62 is in its normal position. An annular downwardly facing shoulder 11 is provided on the element 14 to cooperate with the flange 68. The shoulder 11 slopes or curves upwardly and outwardly from the tapering surface of the plug-like element 14 and is designed to effectively wedge and seal in the flange 68. 'I'he engagement of the shoulder 11 with the flange 68 holds the stamp 62 in a position where the active part 13 is spaced above the pad 6 l In use the stamp 62 is normally in the position illustrated where the shoulder 11 bears on the ange 68 to seal off the upper end of the holder 60 and to support the stamp in the position where the part 13 is above the pad 6|. To use the stamp 62 the stamp is pushed downwardly to engage the active part 13 with the pad 6|. 'Ihe sealing element 14 yields to allow this depression of the stamp. The stamp is withdrawn from the hold- When the stamp is returned to the holder 60 the element 14 and the shoulder 11 engage and wedge in the flange 68to support the stamp in the holder and to provide a seal between the stamp and holder.

Fig. 10 of the drawings illustrates one manner in which the holder 60 of Fig. 9 may be arranged in the carrier C, described above. The holder 6D may be arranged in one of the openings 4l and the flange 65 on the upper end of the holder may rest on the top 39 of the carrier to support the unit. As illustrated, the flange 65 may be cut oi to present a downwardly facing edge for bearing on the top 39 of the'carrier C.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall Within the scope of the following claims Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In combination, two elements, one a stamp, the other a holder for receiving the stamp, an inking pad in the holder, and packing material on one element cooperable with the other element to seal between the internal surface of the holder and the side surface of the stamp and to removably support the stamp in the holder in a position where it is clear of the pad, the packing material being yieldable to allow depression of the stamp into engagement with the pad.

2. In combination, two parts, one a stamp, the other a holder adapted to receive the stamp, an inking pad in the holder, and a conformable resilient sealing element of packing material on one part for sealing between the holder and stamp and normally supporting the stamp on the holder in a position where the stamp is clear of the pad, the resiliency of the packing material raising the stamp clear of the pad following insertion of the stamp in the holder.

3. A device of the character described comprising a holder open at its upper end, an inking pad in the holder, a stamp insertable in the upper end of the holder, a part on the lower end of the stamp engageable with the pad to receive ink therefrom, and a sealing element of resilient conformable sealing material/ sealing between the holder and stamp and normally supporting the stamp where said part is above the pad, the resiliency of the sealing element bringing the stamp to said position following insertion of the stamp in the holder.

4. A device of the character described comprising a holder open at its upper end, an inking pad in the holder, a stamp insertable in the upper end of the holder, a part on the lower end of the stamp engageable with the pad to receive ink therefrom, and a resilient sealing element on the holder engaging around the stamp and sealing with the side surface of the stamp to provide a seal between the stamp and holder and normally supporting the stamp where said part is clear of the pad, the sealing element being formed of packing material yieldable to allow depression of the stamp to bring said part into contact with the pad, the resiliency of the element lifting the stamp to move said-part clear of the pad following said depression of the stamp and following insertion of the stamp in the holder.

5. A device of the character described comprising a holder open at its upper end, an inking pad in the holder, a stamp insertable in the upper end of the holder, a part on the lower end of the stamp engageable with the pad to receive ink therefrom, and a sealing part of conformable resilient material on the stamp engageable with the holder to provide a seal between the stamp and holder and normally supporting the stamp where said part is clear of the pad, the sealing part being yieldable to allow depression of the stamp to bring said part into contact with the pad, the resiliency of the sealing part lifting the stamp to move said part clear of the pad following said depression of the stamp and following insertion of the stamp in the holder.

6. A device of the character described comprising an open topped holder, an inking pad in the holder, a yieldable resilient sealing element projecting into the holder above the pad, a stamp insertable in the holder and having an active part for receiving ink from the pad, and a sloping surface on the stamp engageable with the sealing element to provide a seal about the stamp and to support the stamp in the holder where said part of the stamp is above the pad, the sealing element being yieldable to allow the stamp to be pressed downwardly to engage said part with the pad, the resiliency of the sealing element serving to lift the stamp to the position where said part is above the pad following insertion of the stamp in the holder. x v

7. A device of the character described comprising an open topped holder, an inking pad in the holder, a yieldable resilient sealing element projecting into the holder above the pad, a stamp insertable in the holder and having an active part for receiving ink from the pad, and a downwardly facing shoulder on the stamp engageable with the sealing element to support the stamp in a position where said part is above the pad and to provide a seal about the stamp whereby the upper end of the holder is sealed off, the sealing element being yieldable to allow the stamp to be pressed down to bring said part against the pad, the resiliency of the sealing element returning the stamp to said position following a downward movement of the stamp in the holder.

8. A device of the character described comprising an open topped holder, an inking pad in the holder, an upwardly facing internal shoulder on the wall of the holder above the pad, a stamp adapted to be inserted in the upper end of the holder and having a part on its lower end for receiving ink from the pad, and a flexible resilient sealing element on the stamp engageable with the shoulder to support the stamp in a position where said part is above the pad and to provide a seal between the holder and the stamp, the sealing element being yieldable to allow the stamp to be pressed inward to engage said part with the pad, the resiliency of the sealing element returning the stamp to said position following insertion of the stamp.

9. A device of the character described comprising a holder having a bottom and side walls, a flange on the side walls, a eXible resilient sealing element secured to the flan-ge and projecting inwardly at the mouth of the holder, an inking pad in the holder, and a stamp including a part for receiving ink from the pad and a tapering stem carrying said part and engageable with the sealing element to support the stamp in a position where said part is above the pad and to seal the mouth of the holder, the sealing element being yieldable so that the stamp may be pressed inwardly to engage said part with the pad, the resiliency of the sealing element returning the stamp to said position following the insertion of the stamp in the holder.

10'. A device of the character described comprising a holder having a bottom and side walls, a flange on the side walls projecting inwardly at the mouth of the holder, an inking pad in the holder, and a stamp including a handle, a stem of flexible resilient material on the handle engageable in the flange to close the mouth of the holder and to support the stamp, and a part on the stem engageable with the pad to receive the ink therefrom, said stem yielding to allow the .part to be pressed against the pad, the resiliency 11. A device of the character described comprising a holder having a bottom and side walls, a flange on the side walls projecting inwardly at the mouth of the holder, an inking pad in the holder, and a stamp including a handle, a longitudinally tapered stem of flexible resilient material on the handle en gageable in the flange to close the mouth of the holder and to support the stamp, and a part on the stem engageable with the pad to receive the ink therefrom, said stem yielding to allow the part to be pressed against the pad, the resiliency of the stem serving to return the stamp to the position where the part is above the pad.

12. A device of the character described comprising a holder open at its upper end, an inking pad in the holder, a stamp insertable in the upper end of the holder, a part on` the lower end of the stamp engageable with the pad to receive ink therefrom, means for retaining the pad in the holder, and a sealing element of resilient sealing material for sealing between the holder and stamp and normally supporting the `stamp where said part is above the pad, the resiliency of the sealing element bringing the stamp to said position following insertion of the stamp in the holder.

13. A device of the character described comprising a carrier having an opening, a holder set in the opening, an inking pad in the holder, a rubber stamp received in the holder and comprising a handle to project upwardly from the carrier, a stem to enter the holder and a part on the stem adapted to receive ink from the pad, and conformable sealing material for sealing between the holder and the stem to provide a complete air tight seal around the stem and normally supporting the stamp where the said part is clear of the pad.

OZRO N. WISWELL. 

